Stalled play area work under way
WORK has begun on the new £65,000 Smithy Green playground, after a five-month delay.
The children’s playground in Formby was closed earlier this year after a child was injured by equipment that broke apart after rusting from the inside.
All equipment was removed while councillors and council officers worked to secure funding for the new equipment.
The rebuild was initially due to be completed by mid-June, but is now due to open to the public in mid-December.
The money was found through a combination of council funds, s106 money (infrastructure contributions from local developments), Parish Council funding and the local councillors’ ward budget.
Labour councillor Nina Killen said she was delighted that work had finally begun.
“It has been a long wait for residents but we wanted to get this right. This is a park that was much-loved and wellused by the local community and they and we did not want to lose it.
“Through working together, Sefton councillors and parish councillors have not only delivered a rebuild but the facilities will actually be much improved.
“As well as playground equipment, there will also be a multi-use games area for football and other ball games.
“We are delighted to see this finally coming together.”
Ravenmeols councillor Catie Page said: “We know how important this play area is to the local community and everyone was keen to see the playground back in use as soon as possible.
“We would have preferred the playground to be reopened in the summer, but felt the delays were worth it for the end product that is now being built.
“There will be carpet surfacing under each item of play equipment and we have been mindful of making sure the equipment is inclusive for children with special needs.
“I encouraged young people to attend the public consultation events and give their views as to what they wanted.”
The delay to the redevelopment was caused by extra funds being invested in the project for the games area, which meant the council had to put the project back out to tender.
The playground is due to be completed by the middle of next month.
Cllr Nina Killen said it was great to see work finally begin: “Local residents made it very clear they did not want to see their local playground lost forever and councillors felt the same.
“Through a combination of Sefton Council and Formby Parish Council funds, the playgroup will not only be rebuilt but will be a much-improved, modern facility for the next generation.”